Spotlight: Columbia Heights

Perched at the highest peak in the District, Columbia Heights offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city and beyond when viewed from atop 13th Street hill. What was once private farmland outside of city limits is now a bustling destination ‘hood locals flock to for big box shopping and smaller scale indie dining. A short trek North from U Street Corridor and flanked by Shaw, Mt. Pleasant and Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights residents are never too far from something to do.

The early 20th Century streetcar that once linked Columbia Heights with downtown DC might be long gone, but the Columbia Heights Green Line Metro Station is about to turn 13. The few blocks surrounding it rank among the city’s liveliest. Sleek community-style seating circles a town square, and offers visitors a spot to sit and enjoy a treat from FroZenYo, listen to an impromptu a cappella group performance, or watch kids play in the fountains in the summer. The DC-USA complex is as practical as it is fun – Giant Grocery, Target, Marshall’s, and Bed Bath and Beyond offer the convenience of running almost any errand without leaving town. The crown jewel of the blocks-long 2008 development project is the historic Tivoli Theatre, a refurbed 1920s movie house long considered one of DC’s major architectural achievements. Today, the Tivoli houses the Gala Hispanic Theatre, a Spanish-language live theatre company.

The quiet residential streets throughout Columbia Heights are friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. The area is also speckled with long-standing local businesses, including corner bodegas, barber shops and hole-in-the-wall cafes serving up no-frills ethnic food. You may just find that this elevated neighborhood offers just the right mix of modern convenience and local charm – and the walk home would be good for your quadriceps, too.

Tags: columbia heights, dc, DC Neighborhoods

Category: DC Commentary